BIM eSubmission

Reference Guide Book

(Structural)
While BCA tries to highlight the major points of submission requirements, BCA cannot take into account all the special cases in other
regulatory agencies as well as the changing technology. Updated versions will continue to be issued to address and incorporate on-going
feedback in an open, collaborative process. All readers of this provisional guide are encouraged to submit feedback to BCA CORENET.
No part of these materials shall be copied, reproduced or published in any form by any means whatsoever electronic or mechanical including
photocopy or by way of any information storage or retrieval system nor should the material be disclosed to other parties without the
expressed written consent and authorization of Building and Construction Authority.
Information and content set forth in this document are subjected to changes without notice, but will be released as updates in subsequent
version. Readers, who wish to adopt this document as a guide for their own purpose, are strongly advised to exercise discretionary judgment
as neither BCA nor the respective agencies stated in this document will stand liable to any consequences arising from your adoption.

Building and Construction Authority

5 Maxwell Road #16-00 Tower Block
MND Complex Singapore 069110
www.bca.gov.sg

Revision #

Revision Date

1.0

October 2010

2.0

April 2011

Summary of Changes

Remarks
Issue to Pilot Participants

Revision History incorporated

For official
o
BIM eSubmission

Updated Table of Contents

Revised as per comments & suggestions of Pilot Users

Copyright @ 2011 Building and Construction Authority

Doc Name: BIM eSubmission
Submission Reference Guide (Structural)
Current Version: 2.0
Release Date: 01 Apr 2011

Page 2

If you have any comments, suggestions or clarifications,

clarifications please write to:
CORENET Team

Centre for Construction IT

Building and Construction Authority

1F,
1F Block A, ZEB Building

5 Maxwell Road

BCA Academy

#12-00 Tower Block MND Complex

200 Braddell
Brad
Rd

Singapore 069110

Singapore 579700

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

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GENERAL INFROMATION & REQUIREMENTS 5

1.1.BIM eSubmission Packages

1.2.File Format and Size

1.3.Digital Signature

1.4.Project Model Scale

1.5.Site Layout

1.6.Project North Orientation

1.7.Project Elevation Datum

1.8.Standardized File Naming

1.9.Standardized Drafting View Naming

1.10.Last Saved Views

10

1.11.Addition and Alteration Projects

10

1.12.Project Resubmission

12

1.13.Project Drawings Basic Composition

12

1.14.BIM Modeling Workflow

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BIM eSubmission
Submission
Refere
Reference Guide Book
(Structural)
General Information & Requirements

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1.

GENERAL INFROMATION & REQUIREMENTS

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process of generating and managing building information during
the lifecycle of a building. Typically, it involves the use of three-dimensional (3D) building modeling
software to produce a Building Information Model (also abbreviated as BIM), which encompasses building
geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, quantities and properties of building components.
This document outlines the specifications required to prepare the building information model in BCA BIM
eSubmission format. BCA has worked with the various software vendors to develop templates that will
help to manage project information to meet BIM eSubmission format.

1.1.

BIM eSubmission Packages

For BIM submission, Qualified Person (QP) is required to compile all drawing views/sheets of a project into
two (2) separate DWF/PDF files for submission.
a)

FileName1.pdf/.dwf.
This file includes general notes, floor plans, elevations, sections, schedules (beam, column, slab
etcI), connections (rebar & steel joints) on individual sheets with title block. This file is for
approval.

b)

FileName2_REF.pdf/dwf
This file includes architectural drawings, 3D model, site layout and all other views etc. This file is
for reference only

1.2.

File Format and Size

The QP is required to save the 2 files in non-editable DWF or PDF formats. Hence the content cannot be
tampered with so as to preserve the integrity of the files. In another words, the two files are the static
equivalent of the BIM native file (RVT, DGN, DB1 etc.).
The QP is advised to keep a copy of the files in the native format as BCA reserves the rights to request
them for verification purpose.
DWF or PDF formats are also light weight format as compared to the native format. They are usually 20%
of the native file size. All BIM eSubmission via CORENET are limited to 100MB per file per submission. If
the file size exceeds 100MB, eSubmission can be made via CD-ROM/DVD.

1.3.

Digital Signature
The QP is required to digitally sign and encrypt the two (2) files before submission via CORENET. In return,
BCA will digitally sign on FileName1.pdf/dwf

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The diagram below illustrates the differences between 2D and BIM eSubmissions.
2D eSubmission Method

BIM eSubmission Method

Figure 1 Comparison between 2D Submission vs BIM eSubmission

1.4.

Project Model Scale

1

When modeling a building/structure in the BIM software , QP is required to create the BIM model in 1:1
scale. QP is also required to use a consistent unit of measurement within the entire BIM model.

1.5.

Site Layout
The
e site layout shall include the following
following:
a)

Project Gridlines: they must be added to the 2D site layout

b)

Site Boundary: includes

ncludes adjacent prope
property lines, town subdivision, mukim & lot numbers, street
names,, ingress & egress to site

c)

Building Outline: the outline of the building to be constructed

Figure 2 Sample Site Layout Plan

The
he site plan shall be positioned in real world coordinates (x, y, z values) with site orientation
orie
aligned to
True North. This information is usually available from the land surveying plans
s or architectural plan/model.

1
BIM software used in Singapore includes Autodesk Revit Structure, Bentley Structure Modeler, Tekla Structure, Nemetschek
Allplan. This list is not exhaustive. New software will be progressively included to the list after verification & testing.

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*Note: Units of measurement for most land surveying plans are in meters whereas
architectural plans/model are in millimeters.
QP can overlay/reference the land surveying plans or architectural plan/model to obtain the coordinates
and orientation. This task can be completed in 2 steps:
a)

b)

1.6.

Step 1: Setup consistent project grids and site boundaries.

Create a Site Layout View in BIM software

Attach Architectural Site Layout & reference it to the newly created Site Layout View

Create project grids in BIM software

Copy site boundary to the newly created Site Layout View

Step 2: Rotate the building outline & site layout to its equivalent real world orientation (True North)

Locate the datum usually represented with Northing, Easting and Reduced Level.

Associate the boundary point datum to the real world values in Northing and Easting

Project North Orientation

In most cases, QP prefers to work on a project orientation aligned horizontally for easy visualization by
adopting a Project North. All sheets, except the Site Layout, in the BIM eSubmission file can be aligned to
Project North. The Site Layout as per section 1.5 must be presented in True North or real-world orientation.
QP does not need to physically rotate the project model because most BIM software can manage the two
orientations.
Configuring the Project North is described the sequence below if the reference file has not been set with
the right orientation.

Setup the Site Plan drafting view to read True North

Using one of the boundary lines, create a reference line to represent the actual bearing.
Read the angular value from the site boundary lines; presented in degree, minutes and
seconds. Use the boundary point datum as the starting reference to this orientation

Once done, activate the command from within the BIM software to rotate the entire project
model to this newly created reference line.

For all other views in the BIM software, one need to ensure that the viewing properties
have been set to read Project North before one start any modeling or annotation works.

1.7.

Project Elevation Datum

Project Elevation Datum must be aligned to Singapore Standard Elevation Datum (>100m), and not
placed on ground zero (Elev +0.0). There is no need to physically move the model to the actual elevation
because one can establish this value in the BIM software.

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Steps of configuring project elevation datum are described below:

a. Note the Reduced Level readings on the Elevation Datum point usually
located at one of the site boundary points. Also note that the Site Plan
elevation is usually a duplicate view of the ground-level drafting view. If
not it is required to adjust for the difference.
b. Activate
ctivate the function within your BIM software to associate the
reference point in your project to the actual elevation datum value.
c. Switch
witch to your project elevation view, and change the readings to show
Singapore
Singapore Standard Elevation Datum.

*Note: Unit of measurements for Singapore Standard Datum

is usually represented in meters while BIM unit settings
maybe in millimeters.
Figure 3 Elevation Levels

1.8.

Standardized File Naming

BIM eSubmission adopts SS
SS-CP83, Part 3 to manage naming of files. For full details please refer to SS
CP83 documents.
The file naming
ing convention is divided into 6 parts, where Part 1 to Part 5 is delineated by an underscore
_ and they are mandatory fields. Part 6 is optional
onal but it is recommended for use to give better
description to the file followed by the file extension which represents the file format.
Mandatory

Part 1
Project ID
A1100-00001-2011
A1100-00001-2011

_
_

Part 2
ST #
ST01
ST02

_
_

Part 3
Author
G
S

Optional

_
_

Part 4
Zone
01
01

_
_

Part 5
Version
A
A

_
_

Part 6
User Defined
Foundation
Superstructure

Table 1 Abbreviations to use in File Naming Convention

Name of Field
Project ID

Number of
Characters

Indicators

Description

6 min

A0000-00000-2011

Project Reference # (14 digits).

digits) If Project Ref # is not

14 max
Author

available, a minimum of 6 characters will suffice.

G

Geotechnical Engineer (PE /QP)

/

Structural Engineer (PE/ QP)

X
Zone or Block

NN

Contractor (PE)
Where N: zone or Block Number
Eg. 01 for Block 1, A1 for Zone A1

Version

User defined

Page 8

----

--

For all blocks

1st Submission (original)

2nd Submission (revision or resubmission)

3rd Submission(revision or resubmission)

----

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1.9.

Standardized Drafting View Naming

In all BIM software, 2D plan views can be represented as cut sections of the 3D model. These views are
automatically generated from the 3D model & users do not need to draw them manually as compared to
2D drafting.
For every submission drawings, there will be composition of views and sheets with the relevant annotation
information embedded so that downstream users (contractors, fabricators, precast plants) can utilize the
same 3D model for their respective works. To facilitate unambiguous understanding to these views for
regulatory approval as well as information sharing among project members, we need to adopt a
standardized naming convention. This section covers standardized format that must be adhered to strictly.
1.9.1 VIEW NAMING
View naming is divided into 3 parts, each part is delineated by an underscore _ . All parts of this naming
convention are mandatory and you are advice to strictly follow. The figure shown below is a sample in
naming a view. To better understand View Naming, see Table 2.
Part 1
Discipline
STRU
STRU

_
_

Part 2
View
FP
FP

_
_

Part 3
User Defined
1st Storey Plan View
2nd Storey Plan View

Table 2 Naming Convention for each Drawing View

Field Name
Discipline

View

User Defined

Characters
4

4 (min)

Indicators

Description

ARCH

Architectural Drawings

STRU

Structural Drawings

MEPS

Building Services Drawings

Others

Additional disciplines not included but required

SP

Site Plans

FR

Roof Plans

FP

Floor Plans

FE

Elevation Plans

FX

Cross Section Views

3D

3D Views

DT

Detail Views (rebar details, steel connections etcI)

LV

Layout View ( text only-ex. AC, QP & PE declarations)

This part describes the view. Some suggestions are listed below
1st Storey

Where n = Storey Number

2nd Storey
3rd Storey
nth Storey
Roof

Page 9

Mezzanine N

Where N = Mezzanine number

Basement N

Where N = Basement Number

Elevation X or

Where X = Directions (eg. East, West, North, South or

X Elevation

1, 2, 3, 4)

Section N

Where N = Section Number

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1.9.2 SHEET NAMING

Sheet naming is divided into 2 parts, each part is delimited by an underscore - . All parts to this naming
convention are mandatory
ory and you are advice to strictly follow.
Part 1
Sheet Number
0
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
0
0
5
0

_
_
_
_

Part 2
User Defined
BCA/ST/001/GENERAL NOTES
BCA/ST/005/TYPICAL DETAILS
BCA/ST/010/LAYOUT OF PILES AND PILECAPS
BCA/ST/020/1st STOREY BEAM SCHEDULE

Table 3 Naming Convention for individual Sheets

Field Name
Sheet Number

User Defined

Number of
Characters
2 (min.)

4 (min.)

Indicators

Description
Sheet # 10.. This must tally with the sheet reference on the

10

Title Block

This part use to describe the sheet

Some organization associates this part with the Drawing
Number/Reference in the title block followed by a descriptive text to
explain the purpose of the sheet.

1.10. Last Saved Views

Checking and approval
val from the regulatory agency will be based on the last saved views of your project
model. QP is advised to ensure th
that the following actions are done before exporting to the light weight file.

Maximize all project view

views extent before saving

No hidden objects or annotations

Any external links such as imported 2D drawing files, 3D models from other disciplines
(Architecture, MEP, etc.) & 3D models linked from external locations that are part
p of the submission
must be fully embedded & binded into a single integrated model.

All other external reference objects regardless of layers, annotations, drafting views and
construction
ion lines which resid
reside on the 3D Model and has no bearing
earing to the submission must be
removed or purged
ged before co
compiling the sheets for submission.

Do not use propriety fonts for annotations & texts. All fonts must be legible.

All objects and annotation for each phase must be displayed

splayed in the last saved view.
view

If a project falls under Addition & Alterations ((A&A),, ensure the relevant phase have been activated
with the right color coding ((refer to SS CP83 for guidelines).

1.11. Addition and Alteration Projects

Working on A&A projects, it is required to demarcate your 3D model in accordance to SS CP83 Part 5 by
applying colorr identifier (see Table 1) to all objects. In most BIM software there is no need manually
change the color of these objects; it can be configured virtually through Phase Settings or View
Configuration.

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To present an A&A project as per SS CP83 guidelines, any part of the building that is to be demolished,
must be presented as dotted lines on all views. A sample of this requirement is illustrated in Figure 4.
Table 1 - A&A Projects Element Color Coding

Colour

Usage

Remarks

Magenta

Proposed Elements

All additional works on existing structure which are added as

new objects in your model

Cyan

Existing Elements

All existing parts of a building/facility

Yellow

Deleted Elements

All parts of a building/facility that has to be removed, before

additional works can be carried on existing structure.

To highlight specific components/objects in an A&A works, it is recommended to provide cloud marks

over the areas that will be affected as shown below.
Figure 4 - Sample of A&A Project / Project for resubmission (2D and 3D Views)

COLOUR CODING

Procedure to complete color coding requirements is described below:

a.

Highlight all objects in your model and update its Phase properties to Existing

b.

Zoom in to the area that needs to be updated with additional works

c.

Select elements/objects in the 3D model and update their Phase properties to Demolished

d.

BIM software will now hide these objects/elements in the 3D model. Users should also be able
to switch to & from the current view to the color coded Phase views.

e.

After changing the Phase settings, users can now add new objects/elements to the structure.
If the view currently active has been set to SS CP83 color coded view, the newly added
objects/elements should be displayed in magenta color.

1.11.1 CLOUDING AFFECTED AREA

Clouding can be use to highlight the additional and/or deletion of objects/elements to be demolished after
completing the Phase color coding requirement as described above.
a.

Toggle to specific views where the A&A works are located. Switch the View Properties to
display CP83 color codes

b.

In the View Properties, additional options to display only demolished items can be found.
Current view will only show objects that are has color yellow, and nothing else.

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c.

Use the cloud tool available and highlight the portion to be demolished or added

d.

In
n the view properties, toggle back Phase Settings to display both Existing
Exis
& New Works
only.. Notice all yellow color coded objects has disappeared & cloud marks now overlay the
drafting view. Repeat the above procedure to all views to highlight all affected areas.

1.12. Project Resubmission

ubmission
In the event your BIM submission
ubmission has comments and/or clarifications from the BCA processing officers,
the user is required to resubmit the compiled drawings in a light weight file.
a. Revision cloud to highlight the changes made to comply with BCA comments
b. Color coding similar to A&A requirements for any design chang
changes.
File naming for resubmission shall follow the n
naming convention as per Item 1.8 above.

1.13. Project Drawings Basic Composition

Within BIM software, a Windows Explorer like browser (or Navigator) can be found where a list of
generated Views is arranged. These Views are used to compose individual sheets with Title Block.
Once the sheets are ready for submission, they are compiled and exported unto a single light weight file in
either DWF or PDF format. These files are then digitally signed, encrypted
ncrypted and transmitted to BCA via
CORENET.
Table 5 BCA View Use Naming Convention

Ref
1

BCA-View-Use Name

Types of View

View-Name (Sample)

ARCHITECTURAL

Plans

ARCH_FP_1 st Storey

Elevations

ARCH_EL_North View

Sections

ARCH_FX_A-A

Details

ARCH_DT_Window Frame

SITE

Plans

STRU_SP_Site Layout

STRUCTURAL-GA

Plans

STRU_FP_3 rd Storey

STRUCTURAL-DT

Details

STRU_DT_2HB45-2HB27

STRUCTURAL-EL

Elevations

STRU_EL_Front View

STRUCTURAL-FX

Sections

STRU_FX_B1-B1

STRUCTURAL-3D

3D View

STRU_3D_Shaded View

SHEETS (ALL)

Sheets

05 - S_MS/D/01_Misc Details

Remarks

Only Sheets required for

current ST Approval.

1.14. BIM Modeling Workflow

This section suggests a modeling workflow within your BIM software. Details may vary from one BIM
platform to another. Please consult you software vendor or IT support.

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Glossary of Acronyms and Terms

The following is a list acronyms and terms used within this document. Take
ake note that some of terms are of local
context and may not have the same connotation when used elsewhere.

No.

Acronym / Term

A&A

Addition and Alteration

AMSL

Above Mean Sea Level

BIM

Building Information Model

CAD

Computer Aided Drafting

CSC

Certificate of Statutory Completion

DWF

File
ile format known as Design Web Format that is light-weight and non-editable.
editable. Refer to
www.autodesk.com for more information

IFC

Industry Foundation Class. Refer www.iai-singapore.org for more information

GFA

Gross Floor Area

Legend

A list of various building components and annotations used in a project

10

QP

Qualified Persons / Practitioner. Usually a Professional Engineer (PE)

11

RVT

File format created by Revit from Autodesk. Refer to www.autodesk.com for more information

12

SS CP

Singapore Standard Code of Practice

13

Sheet

The composition area of a CAD drawing environment. Individual sheets are created using the
created views from the 3D model and placed inside a Title Block

14

Schedule

15

TOP

Temporary Occupation Permit

16

View

Orientation of the project model from the angle of a viewer, for instance Floor plan view,
Elevation view and Sectional view as well as 3D view.

17

PDF

File format which is light

light-weight and non-editable,
editable, developed by Adobe. Refer to www.adobe.com
for more information

18

DGN

File format created by Microstation from Bentley. Refer to www.bentley.com for more information

19

DWG

File format created by AutoCAD from Autodesk. Refer to www.autodesk.com for more information

20

GA

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Definitions

A tabulated display of information

General Assembly. Refer to Floor Plans, Elevations, Section Views etcII

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Acknowledgement
A collaborative effort among a panel of knowledgeable Industry Consultants & QPs, Software Vendors and
Processing Officers, has contributed significantly to the successful development of this document. They are:
Regulatory Agency
Building and Construction Authority

Building Engineering Division

Civil Defense Shelter Division

Participating Organizations & Software Vendors

LSW Consulting Engineers Pte Ltd

ARUP Singapore Pte Ltd

BECA Carter Hollings & Ferner (SEA) Pte Ltd

Autodesk Asia Pte Ltd

Tekla (S) Pte Ltd

Bentley Systems Pte Ltd.

Notes
The software used in compiling this document are as follows:

Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 & Design Review 2010

Adobe Acrobat 8

As most software gets updated on a regular basis, please contact your software vendor for assistance, if you
encounter difficulties relating to the software products.

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